PM call with President Rouhani of Iran: 19 January 2016

Prime Minister David Cameron spoke with President Rouhani of Iran to congratulate him on 'implementation day' in the nuclear deal.

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister called President Rouhani of Iran earlier today to congratulate him on ‘implementation day’ in the nuclear deal. The Prime Minister said this was a very good day for international relations.

The Prime Minister and President agreed both sides needed to live up to their obligations under the deal, and that each was fully committed to doing so.

They agreed the deal provided an opportunity for further economic co-operation, including more UK trade missions visiting Iran in the coming months, and also an opportunity for closer diplomatic relations, including through the opening of a dialogue on regional issues such as the situation in Syria.

The Prime Minister raised concerns over 3 dual UK-Iran nationals held in Iranian prisons, pressing for swift progress in their cases. Acknowledging this was a humanitarian issue, President Rouhani undertook to look carefully at the cases.

They also spoke about the 4 February Syria pledging conference, with the Prime Minister noting he would be pleased to welcome an Iranian representative to London.

The Prime Minister and President ended the call with an agreement that they hoped to meet in person again this year.